Feel fabulous - fast!

Last updated at 11:44 19 October 2006

We all know that healthy weight loss is a gradual and steady journey. Yes, you can lose weight each and every week and see those scales dropping but it can also become very frustrating when you want to see results and see them NOW!

Okay, so you aren’t going to reach your target weight overnight but you can get what you want – a better shape, a better weight and a better body - fast! Weight loss, exercise, a positive mental attitude will help you attain that better body but that all takes time. So there are a few things you can do to help that process along. Look better and get that better body NOW!

Cheat a little! You can look 7lbs lighter in an instant! Simply pull your shoulders back, tuck in your tummy and bottom and you will be amazed how slim you look.

Beat the bloat! No matter how much you exercise or how well you stick to your plan, you will still see a bit of tummy bulge if you suffer from bloating. This could be due to water retention or hormonal changes. Making the following five changes could help you beat the bloat for good.

Drink more water to flush out the retained water and toxins.

Eat more fruit and vegetables. They are recommended a lot on our healthy eating plans and for very good reason! Make sure that you are eating at least FIVE PORTIONS A DAY!

Avoid alcohol, red meat, saturated fats and salty processed foods that overload your liver. Try to eat as fresh, natural and healthy foods as you can. The shops are packed with fresh and colourful fruit and vegetables so enjoy these seasonal foods and feel the difference that it makes!

Try drinking dandelion tea, which is a natural diuretic.

Scatter mint leaves over your salad, as they are good at beating fluid retention.

Stop snacking! Give up on the high calories snacks between meals and you could help yourself lose up to an extra 1lb a week. Cutting out that chocolate bar, bag of crisps or mince pie, or double-checking your portion sizes will make all the difference.

Sober up! Give up alcohol for a week and you will give your liver a rest, your skin will look fresher, you eyes will look clearer and you will feel BETTER. This one change can be the single most effective step to success.

Scrub up! Skin that's hiding under the winter woollies tends to look a bit grey and sluggish. Exfoliating a few times a week or body brushing daily can help the skin glow, boost circulation and helps combat cellulite. So get scrubbing! Use your body brush before you shower, brushing your skin from the toes up and always towards your heart. Use a loofah or body mitt when in the bath or shower and, again, brush upwards from your toes to your shoulders. Dry off and smother yourself in your favourite body lotion. You’ll immediately feel pampered and really will see the difference in no time!

Tackle the trouble spots! You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to improve your shape. Try easy toning exercises for fast results.

Slim while you soak! Turn your bath time into a health spa pampering session. Set the scene by burning some incense sticks. Run a warm bath containing bath oil. Put a conditioning treatment on your hair and wrap it in a warm towel. Put a face pack on your face. Take some sea salt and rub it over your body to smooth all rough skin. Finally rub yourself over with a moisturiser. Gorgeous!!

Freshen your feet! Make sure your feet don’t let you down as the sandals come out! Give yourself a quick pedicure. Soak your feet for at least five minutes. Dry them and rub over with a pumice stone. Apply cuticle remover and push back the cuticles. Massage moisturiser into feet and ankles. Apply a nail polish and admire!

Fake it! We all know that sun beds are bad for our skin. So if you don't want to look chalky white in your spangly dress try out some of the self-tanning milks which are available. They really work!

Chill out! The best way to relax totally is to have a head massage. Try it on yourself or get a friend to do it! It feels great! Rub some hair treatment oil into the palm of your hand, using your finger tips massage in gentle circular movements all over the scalp for five minutes. Then run your fingers through your hair. Shampoo and rinse afterwards!

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